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French Retailer Attempts to Trademark Anonymous Logo

A French Retailer called Early Flicker has applied to trademark the logo for the hacktivist group Anonymous. The group prides itself on its facelessness, and while no one really knows who Anonymous members are, it is very likely that this cannot be challenged.

The retailer also trademarked their slogan: “Anonymous. We are legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget. Expect us.”

The reason behind this trademark appears to be self serving as the retailer wishes to be the only legal source of t-shirts, mugs, and other paraphernalia with the Anonymous logo on it.

A few observations here. Is this French Retailer a supporter of Anonymous? Or is he simply profiteering on the popularity of the hacker group? Currently Early Flicker is selling products with this icon on it. They are just making it legal by applying for the Trademark.

Considering Anonymous’ many public attacks to expose the wrong doers, will this retailer be a target of their actions for “stealing” their logo and motto for personal gain?

The process is still in the works and Early Flicker doesn’t own it yet. Ironically, part of that process would include the opportunity for someone to come forward and claim they rightfully own the logo and slogan, and that would require someone to admit they “own” or have the rights to Anonymous – which would make them potentially liable for the group’s actions.

This will be great! Remember that scene in The Dark Knight, where some douche-bag accountant tries to blackmail Batman with his true identity, and Morgan Freeman just says: "Good luck with that". This TOTALLY reminds me that!